As Ukraine clears over 300,000 explosives in Kherson Oblast, UN appoints Russian diplomat to oversee mine action

The UN appointed Russian diplomat Gleb Desyatnikov to oversee mine action, prompting criticism from Ukraine amid ongoing demining efforts in Kherson Oblast. Ukraine has cleared over 300,000 explosives, facing significant challenges due to Russian mines. Ukrainian officials expressed concerns about the appointment, stating it undermines trust in the UN. Desyatnikov has extensive experience in international relations and has served as Russia's ambassador to Jordan since 2018. Human Rights Watch reported that a large portion of Ukraine is contaminated with various types of mines, complicating recovery efforts.